Freddie Mercury biopic finds star & director

2 years ago

The planned Freddie Mercury biopic has a new director and leading man.

Deadline.com says British actor-director Dexter Fletcher is now on board for the project, which will star actor Ben Whishaw as the legendary Queen frontman. Whishaw is replacing Sacha Baron Cohen, who dropped out of the movie over the summer due to creative differences with the band.

The film will focus on Queen's formation and rise to fame, and end with the band's performance at Live Aid in 1985. Freddie's battle with AIDS and his death in November 1991 won't be included in the movie.

Some Queen songs that have been licensed for the film have also been revealed. Tracks include the hits "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions," "Another One Bites The Dust," and "You're My Best Friend."

Whishaw's first starring role was in the 2006 thriller Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. He played the role of Q in the last James Bond film Skyfall and is also featured in the upcoming Ron Howard film In the Heart of the Sea.

Fletcher's directing credits include the films Wild Bill and Sunshine On Leith, which is based on the songs of The Proclaimers.